Is car ownership a thing of the past?

Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, provides a fresh look at the car ownership vs usership debate as we enter a new decade

The ownership vs usership trend has sparked a great deal of interest over the past few years. Research from Auto Trader revealed that 88% of new cars and 30% used cars were sold on finance. And according to a recent survey published by Motors.co.uk, a third of car buyers would now consider using a monthly subscription service.

However, the same survey found that 80.4% of motorists see exclusive access to their vehicle as a priority, while three in four still want to financially own their vehicle. This would explain why we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of people opting for personal contract purchase (PCP) and personal contract hire (PCH), as while these models do not technically offer outright ownership, they do provide people with the reassurance of exclusivity of access.

What’s the difference between PCP, PCH and subscription-based service?

A PCP requires an initial down payment, followed by monthly payments. At the end of the agreement, the remaining balance agreed at the beginning of the contract can be paid and the vehicle will remain yours. Alternatively, you can return the car without paying the sum and walk away with no further obligations to the vehicle, providing there are no end-of-contract mileage or damage charges.

The main difference with PCH is that you are not offered the chance to buy the vehicle at the end of the contract.

Car subscriptions, on the other hand, differ in that you don’t need to cover the typical costs of a vehicle such as insurance, maintenance or road tax. Unlike the other options, the agreement periods can be more flexible, and much shorter. You can subscribe on a month-to-month contract, but there are also options which allow up to a 12-month contract. In theory, you could be behind the wheel of a different vehicle each month.

What are the advantages of car usership?

Both PCP and PCH offer a number of advantages over outright purchasing, including lower upfront costs, less admin and a wider range of vehicles to choose from. This can be particularly attractive for those looking to drive an electric vehicle, which can carry a headline sticker price 50% more expensive than traditional models.

PCPs, PCHs and monthly subscriptions allow you to change your vehicles on a relatively regular basis, enabling you to switch your older vehicles for newer, more modern vehicles. This can be particularly advantageous as modern vehicles tend to have lower emissions and are engineered with the most sustainable technology, reflecting a worldwide shift towards greater levels of environmental conscientious. Driving a more modern and sustainable vehicle allows you to avoid potential charges implemented by Clean Air Zones across the country and supports the Government’s aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. In the next decade, people are unlikely to want to be lumbered with dated, costly and emission-heavy vehicles.

With the recent surge in a positive attitude towards electric driving, as shown by our 2019 Mobility Monitor, we can expect this trend to continue to build momentum over the coming years.

What are the disadvantages of usership?

With freedom comes responsibly, it’s important to note that all three methods can leave you with extra charges at the end of your contract. While allowing for normal wear and tear, you are responsible for any excess damage to the vehicle. At the same time, drivers will need to able to accurately predict their mileage at the start of any contract, otherwise, they can be faced with expensive mileage charges at the end of their contract.

Drivers also need to take extra care of their vehicle, as it is likely to be used by multiple people over the course of its life. However, many see this as an advantage rather than a disadvantage as vehicles are no longer thought of as ‘disposable’ items, and therefore users are more likely to keep them in good condition.

What does the future of car ownership look like?

The demand for greater flexibility and choice that we’re now seeing in the automotive industry is mirrored in other sectors. In the film and music industries, this kind of consumer behaviour has completely dismantled the status quo and given way to much more flexible business models. Most people would now choose to stream their music and movies rather than buy a physical DVD or CD.

What’s clear is that more and more people are choosing to opt-out of accumulating stuff, and instead are opting for greater levels of flexibility and convenience. With emissions regulations becoming increasingly stringent, together with a global focus on sustainability, the shift towards car usership is likely to continue at an increased rate.

This includes modern models like car-sharing, which has seen increased levels of popularity over recent years thanks to a growing demand among urban-dwelling millennials. It involves drivers renting out their vehicles whilst they’re not in use, e.g. during the 9-5 working day. By doing this, car owners can generate extra income, and a driver who needs a car for a short period of time can have access to one for a fraction of the normal cost.

Time will tell how well this model will do, and for some, the freedom and convenience of having their own car is one that drivers won’t want to give up. However, apps such as Lyft in the US, and Uber across the globe, have begun demonstrating that money that can be made from our own vehicles.

Considering the change in the market in the last 10 years alone, the next 10 years look set to be just as exciting.